In a major step toward strengthening environmental governance, Nigeria has launched the Environmental Standards Certification Scheme (ESCS), a pioneering initiative designed to promote professionalism, global competitiveness, and sustainable development in the environment sector.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, officially launched the scheme, describing it as a “transformative milestone” aimed at enhancing environmental practices and aligning Nigeria with international best standards.
Structured in a four-tier framework—Foundation, Intermediate, Associate, and Specialist levels, the ESCS provides a progressive and systematic pathway for capacity-building and competency development in environmental standards.
According to Lawal, the ESCS is the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa and is uniquely positioned to equip qualified professionals with the knowledge and digital tools necessary for modern environmental practice. “With a dedicated team and support from the National Project Coordinating Office at the National Universities Commission (NUC), we are proud to unveil a robust certification system that will redefine environmental governance in Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasized that the scheme was conceived to build capacity in procurement, environmental, and social standards, enabling professionals across sectors to meet global benchmarks. The newly launched online certification portal offers self-paced training through a Learning Management System (LMS), including examinations and automated certification issuance, enhancing transparency and accessibility.
“This seamless integration of training, assessment, and certification ensures both efficiency and credibility,” Lawal added.
In her welcome remarks, Director of the Environmental Assessment Department, Mrs. Rofikat Odetoro, highlighted the scheme’s potential to reduce unemployment and eliminate quackery in the sector. “This world-class certification programme promotes professionalism, improves global competitiveness, and opens remote job opportunities for Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.
Mr. Ahmed Chinada Abdullahi, representing the World Bank’s Task Team Leader, reaffirmed the Bank’s support for the initiative through an International Development Association (IDA) commitment of $80 million under the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) project.
He urged professionals to seize the opportunity to upskill and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s sustainable development.
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UNIDO’s representative, Mr. Yomi Banjo, lauded the scheme as a “groundbreaking achievement” and pledged continued support to Nigeria’s green growth agenda. “The ESCS will be a catalyst for innovation, improved environmental performance, and the creation of new professional opportunities,” he said.
SPESSE Project Coordinator at the Ministry, Mr. Shittu Hussain, explained that the ESCS ensures a standardized, professional approach to addressing procurement, environmental, and social issues. “It’s a timely initiative that will elevate the quality of environmental consultancy in Nigeria,” he concluded.
